ALCOHOL AND BREASTFEEDING

We often start with a playful hook, but sometimes it’s important to be serious—like today—to remind you that excessive alcohol consumption is dangerous for everyone’s health, whether you’re breastfeeding or not.This article has been reviewed by Julie Longy, IBCLC lactation consultant.

In a few days, glasses will be clinking to celebrate family reunions and the New Year. And in your head, that question pops up: “Can I have a drink while breastfeeding?” You might hear responses like, “Oh, a small glass won’t hurt you,” followed by the classic, “Back in my day…” and those little nudges, “Come on, decide already—I don’t want to waste a glass of this good wine.” Thanks, dear uncle.

To help you enjoy the evening without guilt, we’ve sorted through all the confusing info you may have read or heard about breastfeeding and alcohol consumption.

Let’s get straight to the point and be clear:

  • Can a pregnant mother have a glass of alcohol? NO
  • Can a breastfeeding mother have alcohol occasionally? YES
  • Can she do so without moderation? NO

Your natural state of heightened alertness would be compromised; more important than the alcohol concentration in your milk is staying alert!
ALCOOL ET ALLAITEMENT

Do I have to pump my milk if I want to have a drink?

No. It all depends on the kind of evening you’re planning and what you feel like doing. You can absolutely bring your baby with you and continue your usual feedings, as long as you time things carefully and drink in moderation (we explain more later in the article).

If you plan to have more than two drinks in the evening, it’s better to pump beforehand and offer your milk to your child in a bottle (or any suitable container).

The best option, in our view—and the one that will let you relax the most—is to have someone else look after your baby. Your alertness naturally decreases with alcohol; beyond two drinks, you may not notice it, and staying alert is crucial.

Does drinking alcohol affect your milk supply?

Yes. Alcohol affects the two hormones responsible for your milk supply: oxytocin (which triggers milk let-down) and prolactin (which influences milk production). When alcohol is present, oxytocin decreases, while prolactin—boosted by the euphoria of drinking—can increase. That’s why, if you decide to “skip” a feeding (for example, by offering your baby previously pumped milk), you should plan to pump and discard your milk to avoid engorgement.

Can I speed up the elimination of alcohol from my body?

No. Alcohol enters your milk just as it does your bloodstream. It’s only temporary; only time will allow the alcohol to leave your milk. In other words, pumping your milk, drinking lots of water, or resting willnotspeed up the elimination of alcohol from your body.

How long does it take for alcohol to leave my milk?

The elimination of alcohol from your blood—and therefore your milk—depends on several factors:

  • The amount of alcohol consumed
  • How quickly you drank it
  • Your body weight
  • Whether your stomach is empty or not

On average, the alcohol concentration in your milk peaks about 30 to 60 minutes after drinking one glass, and it takes roughly 2 to 3 hours for the alcohol to be fully eliminated from your body. Naturally, this waiting time increases with the number of drinks consumed.

Refer to the table below to see how long to wait between drinking and your next feeding, based on your weight and the number of drinks consumed.

In summary 🥂

If you have a party planned and want to drink more than one or two glasses of alcohol, pump your milk beforehand so you can offer your baby milk free of any alcohol. The wisest option is to have someone else care for your baby ♥️

If your baby will be present:
☞ Drink in moderation (one to two glasses) to stay alert and have the right reflexes if needed
☞ Preferably drink just after a feeding
☞ Make sure your stomach isn’t empty when drinking alcohol (otherwise it takes longer to process)
☞ Wait at least 2 to 3 hours after having a glass before breastfeeding
☞ If you won’t need to breastfeed during the evening, plan to pump and discard your milk to prevent engorgement

PS: If you have any questions or the slightest doubt, seek the advice of a healthcare professional or a lactation consultant. Your choice should be informed—and yours alone—to be the right one 🫶🏼

PPS: Make sure those around you understand that your choice is informed and yours, just like a mom who decides not to drink, to have an occasional glass, or to pump and have someone care for her baby so she can enjoy the night to the fullest!

Enjoy the holiday season in the best way possible! Cheers, fam!

References

• Alcool-info-service:
https://www.alcool-info-service.fr/alcool-et-vous/alcool-grossesse/allaitement-alcool

• Study from the American Academy of Pediatrics:
Breastfeeding and the Use of Human Milk, 2005

• La Leche League:
https://www.lllfrance.org/vous-informer/fonds-documentaire/allaiter-aujourd-hui-extraits/1692-allaitement-et-tabac-alcool-drogues-etc